Hello, I am new here. Thanks for allowing me to join in and learn from these forums.
1. Location (on a map) of collection: Columbia, Maryland, USA - found in a grassy/weedy clay-heavy soil. Was in the process of digging out a 4' x 8' section of grass for a raised bed in my backyard. When my shovel came out, I saw her almost immediately (must have just missed her). I could've sworn her workers were very tiny, but I could have been mistaken as there were multiple colonies in the vicinity.
2. Date of collection: 4/27/2024
3. Habitat of collection: Suburban backyard in a semi-shaded grassy/weedy clay-heavy soil. The soil was a light brown on top and became very clay-heavy about 1 - 2 feet down.
4. Length (from head to gaster): 16 mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Dark reddish-orange head, lighter reddish-orange alitrunk, gaster about the same color as the head. Shiny, tiny hairs out of alitrunk and gaster.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Two dark lines across back-half of alitrunk.
7. Distinguishing behavior: Has laid four eggs in the last week or so (three when pictured, one since yesterday).
8. Nest description: Unsure, but queen was about 6-10" from surface.
9. Nuptial flight time and date: N/A
